Integrated connectivity is good. The set incorporates both HDMI and component video inputs for digital and analogue HDTV duties respectively; along with a D-Sub PC connector; three Scarts; S-video and composite video support; a conditional access slot for adding Top Up TV to the digital tuner; and various slots for multimedia cards.

The 50PX4 pleases when it comes to black level. While real world contrast is limited to 300:1, black levels are deep enough to make dark scenes such as the Black Pearl's assault on the fort in Pirates of the Caribbean look threedimensional; scenes are packed with greyscale subtleties and shadow detail. Both high- and standard-definition feeds look sharp and textured.

Colours seem vibrant and the set can be calibrated close to the EBU 6500k standard. They suffer only very rarely from PDP's old-school tendency to portray what should be subtle colour gradations as bands. Fizzing noise over motion and dot crawl over darkness are handled well too.

I did note that for some reason HD footage can seem a bit flickery at times, and HDMI feeds sometimes look noisy (component often looks better). Also XD Engine II seems to struggle with poor-quality standard-definition fare, resulting in a muted colour palette and a slightly gritty finish.

This LG's sound performance is comparable to its pictures, in that it's generally good (thanks to solid bass delivery, plenty of treble detailing and a freedom from harshness and distortion).

With its combination of great looks, bright and accomplished pictures and an impressive roster of features, the 50PX4 is an appealing big-screen plasma package.